Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in North Orange County

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in North Orange County? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Eat Chow - Costa Mesa

4.9

4.9 (24)

$30 and under

American

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Eat Chow is your go-to destination for all things comfort. Come stop by at one of our locations for a phenomenal dining experience with your loved ones. On the weekends you can find us slinging brunch and pouring you Mimosas to help ward of those Sunday Scaries. On weekday days and nights expect to sit among locals who have made us a neighborhood favorite!

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily.

Established in 2008.
We started in December of 2008 in a little spot in Costa Mesa.. We are locally owned and operated and have become a local's favorite! We have a second location in Newport Beach (2012) off a PCH in the Newport Shores neighborhood.

Top review

Kent

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Our waitress was so nice, came in on Tuesday morning for a breakfast meeting and it was great.

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Tempo Cantina - Anaheim Hills

4.8

4.8 (715)

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

Anaheim Hills

About the restaurant

*WALK-INS ALWAYS WELCOME*

Tempo Cantina brings Latin flavor to Orange County and Los Angeles from creative founder and owner MR.TEMPO.
Come for the atmosphere, but stay for the food. You will find all of your favorite Latin dishes infused with Asian flavors. Join us Happy Hour everyday, Weekend Brunch or Taco Tuesday for a dining experience like you’ve never experienced before!

Top review

La Keacsh

Dined on Oct 26, 2024

Great experience Still haven’t received the pictures I took , was supposed to send me the originals by text or email , after I purchased the ones in the glass frames

Filomena's Italian Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (105)

$30 and under

Italian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Filomena's Italian Kitchen serves old-world cuisine in a cozy setting in Costa Mesa. The restaurant is a labor of love for owner and chef Linda Johnsen, who has translated her Italian heritage and family recipes into a flavorful comfort food menu. From her grandmother's Sunday sauce gracing the chicken, veal and eggplant parmesan to the classic sauce in the pappardelle bolognese, traditional ingredients stand out at Filomena's Italian Kitchen. Johnsen has put her own stamp on the menu with creations like champagne chicken and agro dolce calamari (shrimp and calamari tossed in a sweet tangy glaze with pine nuts, raisins and sweet peppers).In addition to traditional first-course options like caprese angel hair pasta, entree and seafood specialties, Filomena's also serves a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas and calzones. End your meal at Filomena's Italian Kitchen on a sweet note with tiramisu, cannoli or flourless chocolate cake.

Top review

Johnny

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent food & service! My favorite place for Friday night dinner!

SandBar Huntington Beach

4.8

4.8 (111)

$30 and under

Mexican

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

Sandbar Cocina y Tequila offers a variety of revamped Mexican food classics, vibrant cocktails, and an extensive range of international tequilas and mezcals.

Our food menu celebrates Mexico’s diverse ingredients through contemporary interpretations of classic dishes, as well as some nostalgic recipes.

The bar program features handcrafted margaritas and creative cocktails, an extensive tequila & mezcal list, including a selection of rare and classic international tequilas and many Mexican, craft and domestic beer selections.

Sandbar’s design incorporates custom materials, lighting, furniture and décor which will transport you to the beautiful coasts of Mexico. With our prime locations just blocks from the Pacific, Sandbar’s Mexican coastal design blends with laid SoCal beach vibes and modern Mexican cool.

Top review

Mike

Dined 7 days ago

The food was amazing. Rib eye enchiladas were so good! The rib eye melts in your mouth and it's full of flavor with that chimichurri. It was my wife's first time and she loved it! I definitely will be back for more date nights.

Red Table

4.7

4.7 (286)

$30 and under

American

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

We invite you to Relax, Eat, Drink at Red Table. Four years ago we introduced our edgy interpretation of comfort food to the community of Huntington Harbour. Using ruggedly handsome design elements and integrating a unique collection of furnishings, texture and decor; this "Gastrobar" communicates warmth and authentic hospitality.

The menu is comfortably priced with interesting yet approachable items intended to share and savor. Craft beers and outstanding wines have been selected to compliment the distinctive menu items and enhance the dining experience.
"Relax, Eat, Drink" is the compelling mantra behind the restaurant"s concept. Anticipate exceptional service, amazing food and a delightful dining experience when you gather at the Red Table.

Gastrobar (gas.tro.bar) n. a public gathering place where high quality food, craft beer and fine wines are served and celebrated

Top review

Carol

Dined 1 day ago

Very very good overall ! They accommodated our party of 12 that grew to 15 !! We hit the red table ! Fun time

Momoyama

4.7

4.7 (14)

$50 and over

Sushi

Huntington Beach

About the restaurant

Welcome to Momoyama, a Michelin rated esteemed omakase restaurant nestled in the heart of Fountain Valley, California. Renowned for its exceptional culinary artistry and dedication to authentic Japanese cuisine. Our restaurant offers an intimate and refined dining experience that showcases the finest ingredients and the meticulous craft of our Executive Chef, who brings over 20 years of industry expertise to every dish.

At Momoyama, we believe in the art of omakase, a traditional Japanese dining style where guests entrust the chef to create a bespoke meal that reflects the freshest seasonal ingredients and the chef's creative vision. Our omakase offerings are available for both lunch with options for a la carte and dinner, providing a unique culinary journey that is tailored to delight your senses.

Top review

PalakVIP

Dined on Dec 1, 2024

Overall great experience! A huge thanks to the chef and the staff!!

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4.7

4.7 (14)

$50 and over

Japanese

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Hana re only offers chef omakase course $250 per person.
10 courses from appetizers to dessert . Hana re offers same courses at chef’s counter(bar seating )and table seating. Please check website to see more details .

Top review

Jeremy

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Excellent omakase experience! Spendy but if you know, you know

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Experience

Omakase Menu

Vitaly Caffe

4.6

4.6 (70)

$31 to $50

Italian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Welcome to our Italian restaurant, where the essence of Italy comes to life in every dish! We pride ourselves on crafting homemade Pasta, Pinsa Pizza, Piadina Sandwiches from scratch. From a wide-array of coffees, pastry and breakfast in the morning, to the very freshest, authentic Italian food and Artisan gelato throughout the day and night. Come and relax in our courtyard and enjoy our Italian wines and beers. We can't wait to serve you from breakfast through dinner, making us your go-to destination.
Please note: We accept reservations for diners only. Coffee or Gelato/Desserts are available on a walk-in basis.
Join us for a delicious Italian experience!

Top review

Alex

Dined on Nov 2, 2024

This is real, authentic Italian pasta, the best you’ll find in the south coast area. It seriously tastes just like pasta you’d find at a nice place in Italy. The ragu is my favorite. In my opinion the prices for pasta are a little high for such a casual place, but I keep coming back, so clearly it’s worth it. The service is always very good as well. The patio is nice with a fire pit and good heaters. It’s in the camp which provides nice ambiance, but parking is a nightmare. It took us 15 minutes to valet.

The Plot - Costa Mesa

4.6

4.6 (82)

$31 to $50

Vegetarian

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

The Plot team is led by Jessica and Davin Waite, who have been at the forefront of San Diego's culinary scene for over a decade. The duo has earned a loyal following for their inventive and sustainable approach to seafood and plant-based dishes, gaining the attention of critics and culinary innovators far and wide as well as accolades including being named San Diego Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant of the Year” in 2020, VegNews’ “San Diego’s Best Vegan Restaurants” in 2022, and Tasting Table’s “20 Best Restaurants in San Diego” in 2023.

The Plot in Costa Mesa is located in The Camp, a sustainably focused center that highlights unique local businesses. Parking can be a bit tough at The Camp, depending on the time of your visit. In addition to parking in the main lot, Randolph Ave. is another option. Customers can walk through Camp Out into The Camp. Also, Valet service is available in the main lot. The price is $8. Valet is available Thursday through Sunday.

Top review

Ryan

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Delicious vegetarian food! The quality of food, and the flavors were all outstanding. Also, the service was friendly and informative.

Mesa Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (506)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Costa Mesa

About the restaurant

Mesa Lounge is a unique nightlife experience in the heart of Orange County.

For bottle service inquiries please contact Sabrina@mesacostamesa.com or by text at 949.531.2426.

Please note that we are a 21 and over venue at all times, valid photo ID is required for entry. All guests in your party must be present to be seated. We offer a 15 minute grace period for reservations before releasing the table to a guest on the wait list. Due to limited capacity and high demand, reservations are limited to a 90 minute seating.

Top review

MarvinVIP

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

It was a great experience for a group of 9. We ordered many appetizers and plates to share

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Experience

Mesa's Social Hour

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